The Osteosynthesis of the Mandibular Head, Does the Way the Screws Are Positioned Matter?

Abstract

Currently, an increasing number of medical centers are treating mandibular head fractures surgically. Dedicated screws for compression osteosynthesis have been developed. However, due to the very limited size of the fractured bones and the considerable technical difficulties accompanying the execution of the fixation, there is little room for correction of the positioning and reinsertion of the screws. Therefore, knowing the optimal position of the fixation material is crucial for therapeutic success. The aim of this study is the evaluation of fixation screw position on the mandibular ramus height obtained in the treatment of the condylar head fracture. A total of 57 patients were included in this study. The loss of mandibular ramus height on computed tomography twelve months after mandibular head osteosynthesis was evaluated in relation to the initial distance of the screws from the fracture line, the angle of insertion of the screw into the bone, and the size of the protrusion to the inner side of the condyle. The relationship of the proximity of the screw to the fracture line, angulation, and the size of the protrusion with the loss of ramus height was confirmed. Conclusions: the optimal location for the superior screw is approx. 4 mm below the fracture line (with any angulation), inferior screw is approx. 8 mm (with any angulation), and anterior screw position is approx. 4–5 mm distant from fracture line with the best angulation of 130 degrees to the lateral mandible ramus surface in the coronal plane.